Duterte On Rape Joke: 'There Was No Intention Of Disrespecting Our Women'

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has reportedly apologized for his controversial remark regarding rape last week which has since become a hot topic for both his supporters and rivals.

In a statement, Duterte said he was sorry and explained that he did not mean to disrespect women with his gutter language, CNN Philippines reported.

“I apologize to the Filipino people for my recent remarks in a rally. There was no intention of disrespecting our women and those who have been victims of this horrible crime. Sometimes my mouth can get the better of me,” he said.

The tough-talking mayor added that if elected, he will make sure to crack down on crime especially those committed against women and children.

“If you will give me the chance to lead this country, I promise to all of you that I will protect our women, children, and families from the horrors and disorder of crime. I will do this even if I lose my life, my honor, and even the presidency,” he said.

Duterte found himself in hot waters after a video of him uttering something along the lines of wanting to have been the first to rape a slain Australian victim during the 1989 Davao hostage crisis went viral.

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Here is the full apology:

STATEMENT of PDP Laban Presidential Bet RODRIGO DUTERTE19 April 2016

I apologize to the Filipino people for my recent remarks in a rally. There was no intention of disrespecting our women and those who have been victims of this horrible crime. Sometimes my mouth can get the better of me.

However, I will not apologize for the things I've done to protect our people, especially the weak and defenseless, from crime. I know what it can do to the victims and their families. The anguish and pain they cause. The trauma that can't be erased. I have witnessed these myself numerous times.

This is why I am angry. I am angry because horrendous things like this continue to happen to our women and children all over our land. And sadly, government has failed to protect them.

If you will give me the chance to lead this country, I promise to all of you that I will protect our women, children and families from the horrors and disorder of crime. I will do this even if I lose my life, my honor and even the presidency.

My life is an open book. I am a man of many flaws and contradictions. But when it comes to securing the lives and future of our countrymen and women, you can trust me to do the right thing. I will fight for the people until my last breath.